Glue slime activator and associated methods and kits

ABSTRACT

Glue slime activator compositions, kits comprising glue slime activator compositions and a glue or adhesive of appropriate functionality for crosslinking, and methods of making glue slime activator compositions are provided herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/545,867, filed Aug. 15, 2017, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/648,256, filed Mar. 26, 2018, each of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to glue slime activators, andassociated methods and kits.

BACKGROUND

Novelty “slime” (e.g., a gelatinous, viscous, mucous like fluid orsemi-solid substance) compositions can be produced by combining apoly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) based glue withborax. However, borax, in its powder form, is not an approved productfor use by children and carries several health and safety warnings,particularly in its concentrated form. An alternative to powdered boraxis contact lens solution mixed with baking soda; however, thisalternative is costly, requires multiple ingredients in addition to theglue to produce a slime, and is also not approved for use by children.

Thus, there is a need for a further alternative, safer option for makingslime from glue.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce various concepts in a simplifiedform that are further described below in the detailed description. Thissummary is not intended to identify required or essential features ofthe claimed subject matter nor is the summary intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, a slime activator composition is provided including: aborate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt present inan amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 5 percent, byweight or a phosphate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, orsalt present in an amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, toabout 5 percent, by weight; and a buffer present in an amount effectiveto maintain a pH of the composition in a range of from about 7.5 toabout 9.5, wherein the slime activator is configured to crosslink with apolyvinyl acetate-based glue, polyvinyl alcohol-based glue, or otherpolymeric glue/adhesive and thereby form a slime composition.

In another aspect, a slime activator composition is provided includingglass beads, such as silica beads or beads made from silicon or silicondioxide.

In another aspect, a kit is provided including any of the slimeactivator compositions described above and a polyvinyl acetate-basedglue/adhesive or a polyvinyl alcohol-based glue/adhesive or anotherpolymeric based glue/adhesive of appropriate functionality forcrosslinking.

In another aspect, a method of making a slime composition is providedincluding combining any of the slime activator compositions describedabove with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive or a polyvinylalcohol-based glue/adhesive or another polymeric based glue/adhesive ofappropriate functionality for crosslinking.

In another aspect, a method of making a slime activator composition isprovided, including: combining a borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt in an amount of from about 0.005 percent, byweight, to about 5 percent, by weight or a phosphate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt in an amount of fromabout 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 5 percent, by weight, with abuffer in an amount effective to maintain a pH of the composition in arange of about 7.5 to about 9.5, to form a slime activator compositionconfigured to crosslink with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive, apolyvinyl alcohol-based glue/adhesive or another polymeric basedglue/adhesive of appropriate functionality for crosslinking, and therebyform a slime composition.

This summary and the following detailed description provide examples andare explanatory only of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoingsummary and the following detailed description should not be consideredto be restrictive. Additional features or variations thereof can beprovided in addition to those set forth herein, such as for example,various feature combinations and sub-combinations of these described inthe detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Slime activator solutions and compositions have been developed. Theseslime activator compositions are liquid solutions (e.g., aqueoussolutions) or gel-like or solid compositions (e.g., powders, gels) thatmay be combined with a PVAc or PVOH based glue (e.g., white school glue)or another polymeric glue/adhesive to form a slime composition. Theterms “slime activator solution”, “slime activator composition”, and“slime activator” are generally used interchangeably throughout thisdescription, but it should be understood that such terms are meant toencompass any compositional form of these activator formulations, e.g.,liquid, gel, solid.

For example, these activators were found to work similarly to usingcontact lens solution and baking soda, while also providing a saferalternative to borax or contact solution and baking soda. Contactsolutions generally have a pH of from about 5 to about 8, and mayinclude buffering systems which may include boric acid or salts thereof,as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,143,244, and 6,187,264, the entirety ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, contactsolutions may be undesirable for use in slime activator compositions andslime compositions, because baking soda must be added to the contactsolutions to form a slime activator composition, requiring additionalmeasurement of ingredients, often an untidy process. Similarly, the useof borax presents safety concerns for use by children in slime activatorcompositions and slime compositions, as the use of borax is limitedwithin the European Union. and banned in Canada and other jurisdictions.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator compositions describedherein and slime compositions made using the slime activatorcompositions described herein may be Art and Creative MaterialsInstitute, Inc. (ACMI) certified as non-toxic for use in a children'sproduct. For example, the slime activators described herein may bedeemed non-toxic, such that no health or safety warning labels arerequired for the product. In some embodiments, the slime activatorsdescribed herein and slime compositions made using the slime activatorcompositions described herein may satisfy the European Medicines Agency(EMA) Conformité Européene (CE) safety standards for boron-containingcompounds.

In other aspects of the disclosure, methods of making the slimeactivators are provided. In further aspects, methods of making slime bycombining a slime activator with a PVAc or PVOH based glue (or anothersuitable polymeric glue/adhesive) are provided. In still furtheraspects, kits containing a slime activator and a PVAc or PVOH based glue(or another suitable polymeric glue/adhesive) are provided.

In certain embodiments, a slime activator contains a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt present in an amountof from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 5 percent, by weight,and a buffer present in an amount effective to maintain a pH of thesolution or composition in a range of about 7.5 to about 9.5. Forexample, the slime activator may contain a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound in an amount of about 0.005 wt. %, about0.010 wt. %, about 0.0115 wt. %, about 0.020 wt. %, about 0.025 wt. %,about 0.030 wt. %, about 0.035 wt. %, about 0.040 wt. %, about 0.045 wt.%, about 0.050 wt. %, about 0.055 wt. %, about 0.060 wt. %, about 0.065wt. %, about 0.070 wt. %, about 0.075 wt. %, about 0.080 wt. %, about0.085 wt. %, about 0.090 wt. %, about 0.095 wt. %, about 0.10 wt. %,about 0.15 wt. %, about 0.20 wt. %, about 0.25 wt. %, about 0.30 wt. %,about 0.35 wt. %, about 0.40 wt. %, about 0.45 wt. %, about 0.50 wt. %,about 0.55 wt. %, about 0.60 wt. %, about 0.65 wt. %, about 0.70 wt. %,about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.80 wt. %, about 0.85 wt. %, about 0.90 wt. %,about 0.95 wt. %, about 1.0 wt. %, about 1.1 wt. %, about 1.2 wt. %,about 1.3 wt. %, about 1.4 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. %, about 1.6 wt. %,about 1.7 wt. %, about 1.8 wt. %, about 1.9 wt. %, about 2.0 wt. %,about 2.1 wt. %, about 2.2 wt. %, about 2.3 wt. %, about 2.4 wt. %,about 2.5 wt. %, about 2.6 wt. %, about 2.7 wt. %, about 2.8 wt. %,about 2.9 wt. %, about 3.0 wt. %, about 3.1 wt. %, about 3.2 wt. %,about 3.3 wt. %, about 3.4 wt. %, about 3.5 wt. %, about 3.6 wt. %,about 3.7 wt. %, about 3.8 wt. %, about 3.9 wt. %, about 4.0 wt. %,about 4.1 wt. %, about 4.2 wt. %, about 4.3 wt. %, about 4.4 wt. %,about 4.5 wt. %, about 4.6 wt. %, about 4.7 wt. %, about 4.8 wt. %,about 4.9 wt. %, about 5.0 wt. %, or any ranges therebetween. Forexample, the slime activator may contain a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound in an amount of from about 0.05 wt. % toabout 0.15 wt. %, for example from about 0.09 wt. % to about 0.10 wt. %.For example, the slime activator may contain a buffer present in anamount effective to maintain a pH of the solution or composition atabout 7.5, about 7.6, about 7.7, about 7.8, about. 7.9, about 8.0, about8.1, about 8.2, about 8.3, about 8.4, about 8.5, about 8.6, about 8.7,about 8.8, about 8.9, about 9.0, about 9.1, about 9.2, about 9.3, about9.4, about 9.5, or any ranges therebetween. For example, the slimeactivator may contain a buffer present in an amount effective tomaintain a pH of the solution at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5,for example from about 8.9 to about 9.3.

In certain embodiments, a slime activator contains a phosphate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt present in an amountof from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 10 percent, by weight,and a buffer present in an amount effective to maintain a pH of thesolution or composition in a range of about 7.0 to about 10.0. Forexample, the slime activator may contain a phosphate ioncontaining/liberating compound in an amount of about 0.005 wt. %, about0.010 wt. %, about 0.0115 wt. %, about 0.020 wt. %, about 0.025 wt. %,about 0.030 wt. %, about 0.035 wt. %, about 0.040 wt. %, about 0.045 wt.%, about 0.050 wt. %, about 0.055 wt. %, about 0.060 wt. %, about 0.065wt. %, about 0.070 wt. %, about 0.075 wt. %, about 0.080 wt. %, about0.085 wt. %, about 0.090 wt. %, about 0.095 wt. %, about 0.10 wt. %,about 0.15 wt. %, about 0.20 wt. %, about 0.25 wt. %, about 0.30 wt. %,about 0.35 wt. %, about 0.40 wt. %, about 0.45 wt. %, about 0.50 wt. %,about 0.55 wt. %, about 0.60 wt. %, about 0.65 wt. %, about 0.70 wt. %,about 0.75 wt. %, about 0.80 wt. %, about 0.85 wt. %, about 0.90 wt. %,about 0.95 wt. %, about 1.0 wt. %, about 1.1 wt. %, about 1.2 wt. %,about 1.3 wt. %, about 1.4 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. %, about 1.6 wt. %,about 1.7 wt. %, about 1.8 wt. %, about 1.9 wt. %, about 2.0 wt. %,about 2.1 wt. %, about 2.2 wt. %, about 2.3 wt. %, about 2.4 wt. %,about 2.5 wt. %, about 2.6 wt. %, about 2.7 wt. %, about 2.8 wt. %,about 2.9 wt. %, about 3.0 wt. %, about 3.1 wt. %, about 3.2 wt. %,about 3.3 wt. %, about 3.4 wt. %, about 3.5 wt. %, about 3.6 wt. %,about 3.7 wt. %, about 3.8 wt. %, about 3.9 wt. %, about 4.0 wt. %,about 4.1 wt. %, about 4.2 wt. %, about 4.3 wt. %, about 4.4 wt. %,about 4.5 wt. %, about 4.6 wt. %, about 4.7 wt. %, about 4.8 wt. %,about 4.9 wt. %, about 5.0 wt. %, about 5.1 wt. %, about 5.2 wt. %,about 5.3 wt. %, about 5.4 wt. %, about 5.5 wt. %, about 5.6 wt. %,about 5.7 wt. %, about 5.8 wt. %, about 5.9 wt. %, about 6.0 wt. %,about 6.1 wt. %, about 6.2 wt. %, about 6.3 wt. %, about 6.4 wt. %,about 6.5 wt. %, about 6.6 wt. %, about 6.7 wt. %, about 6.8 wt. %,about 6.9 wt. %, about 7.0 wt. %, about 7.1 wt. %, about 7.2 wt. %,about 7.3 wt. %, about 7.4 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. %, about 7.6 wt. %,about 7.7 wt. %, about 7.8 wt. %, about 7.9 wt. %, about 8.0 wt. %,about 8.1 wt. %, about 8.2 wt. %, about 8.3 wt. %, about 8.4 wt. %,about 8.5 wt. %, about 8.6 wt. %, about 8.7 wt. %, about 8.8 wt. %,about, 8.9 wt. %, about 9.0 wt. %, about 9.1 wt. %, about 9.2 wt. %,about 9.3 wt. %, about 9.4 wt. %, about 9.5 wt. %, about 9.6 wt. %,about 9.7 wt. %, about 9.8 wt. %, about 9.9 wt. %, about 10 wt. %, orany ranges therebetween. For example, the slime activator may contain aphosphate ion containing/liberating compound in an amount of from about0.05 wt. % to about 0.15 wt. %, for example from about 0.09 wt. % toabout 0.10 wt. %. For example, the slime activator may contain a bufferpresent in an amount effective to maintain a pH of the solution orcomposition at about 7.0, about 7.1, about 7.2, about 7.3, about 7.4,about 7.5, about 7.6, about 7.7, about 7.8, about. 7.9, about 8.0, about8.1, about 8.2, about 8.3, about 8.4, about 8.5, about 8.6, about 8.7,about 8.8, about 8.9, about 9.0, about 9.1, about 9.2, about 9.3, about9.4, about 9.5, about 9.6, about 9.7, about 9.8, about 9.9, about 10.0,or any ranges therebetween. For example, the slime activator may containa buffer present in an amount effective to maintain a pH of the solutionat a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5, for example from 8.9 to about9.3.

In certain embodiments, a slime activator contains both a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt and a phosphate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt present in a combinedamount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 10 percent, byweight, and a buffer present in an amount effective to maintain a pH ofthe solution or composition in a range of about 7.0 to about 11.0. Forexample, a slime activator composition may contain a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt and a phosphate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt in a ratio of about1:1, about 1:2, about 1:3, about 1:4, or any ranges therebetween.

For example, the slime activator may contain a solvent, such asdeionized water. For example, the slime activator may be configured tocrosslink with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive, a polyvinylalcohol-based glue/adhesive, or a great many other polymer basedadhesives with which the borate ions favorably crosslink with thepolymer functional groups of the glue/adhesive, and thereby form a slimecomposition. As used herein, the phrase “polyvinyl acetate-basedglue/adhesive” is used broadly to refer to a glue or adhesive whichcontains at least about 10 percent, by weight, of a polyvinyl acetate.For example, a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive includes a glue oradhesive which contains from about 10 percent, by weight, to about 50percent, by weight, of a polyvinyl acetate. For example, a polyvinylacetate-based glue/adhesive includes Elmer's® brand No Run School Glueand Elmer's® brand Glue-All adhesives. As used herein, the phrase“polyvinyl alcohol-based glue/adhesive” is used broadly to refer to aglue or adhesive which contains at least 10 percent, by weight, of apolyvinyl alcohol, wherein at least about half of the polyvinyl alcoholis partially hydrolyzed. For example, a polyvinyl alcohol-basedglue/adhesive includes a glue or adhesive which contains from about 10percent, by weight, to about 50 percent, by weight, of a polyvinylalcohol, wherein at least about half of the polyvinyl alcohol ispartially hydrolyzed. For example, a polyvinyl alcohol-basedglue/adhesive includes Elmer's® brand Clear Glue. As used herein, thephrase “polymer-based glue/adhesive” is used broadly to refer to a glueor adhesive which contains at least 10 percent, by weight, of one ormore polymers. For example, a polymer-based glue/adhesive includes aglue or adhesive which contains from about 10 percent, by weight, toabout 95 percent, by weight, of one or more polymers. For example, apolymer-based glue/adhesive includes Elmer's® brand translucent glues,opaque glues, and glow in the dark glues. This crosslinking may occurwith or without the presence of a thermal or chemical catalyticinfluence. As used herein, the term “about” is used to refer to plus orminus 5 percent of the numerical value of the number with which it isbeing used.

In some embodiments, the buffer is present in an amount effective tomaintain the pH of the solution/composition at about 9. For example, thebuffer may be sodium hydroxide (e.g., in aqueous solution, such as 2.5%aqueous solution), sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogenphosphate, and/or any hydroxide salts of alkali or alkaline earthmetals, such as calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. For example,the buffer may be present in the solution in an amount of from about0.05 percent to about 7 percent, by weight, such as from about 5 percentto about 6 percent, by weight. For example, the buffer may be present inthe solution in an amount of about 0.05 wt. %, about 0.10 wt. %, about0.15 wt. %, about 0.20 wt. %, about 0.25 wt. %, about 0.30 wt. %, about0.35 wt. %, about 0.40 wt. %, about 0.45 wt. %, about 0.50 wt. %, about0.55 wt. %, about 0.60 wt. %, about 0.65 wt. %, about 0.70 wt. %, about0.75 wt. %, about 0.80 wt. %, about 0.85 wt. %, about 0.90 wt. %, about0.95 wt. %, about 1.0 wt. %, about 1.1 wt. %, about 1.2 wt. %, about 1.3wt. %, about 1.4 wt. %, about 1.5 wt. %, about 1.6 wt. %, about 1.7 wt.%, about 1.8 wt. %, about 1.9 wt. %, about 2.0 wt. %, about 2.1 wt. %,about 2.2 wt. %, about 2.3 wt. %, about 2.4 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. %,about 2.6 wt. %, about 2.7 wt. %, about 2.8 wt. %, about 2.9 wt. %,about 3.0 wt. %, about 3.1 wt. %, about 3.2 wt. %, about 3.3 wt. %,about 3.4 wt. %, about 3.5 wt. %, about 3.6 wt. %, about 3.7 wt. %,about 3.8 wt. %, about 3.9 wt. %, about 4.0 wt. %, about 4.1 wt. %,about 4.2 wt. %, about 4.3 wt. %, about 4.4 wt. %, about 4.5 wt. %,about 4.6 wt. %, about 4.7 wt. %, about 4.8 wt. %, about 4.9 wt. %,about 5.0 wt. %, about 5.1 wt. %, about 5.2 wt. %, about 5.3 wt. %,about 5.4 wt. %, about 5.5 wt. %, about 5.6 wt. %, about 5.7 wt. %,about 5.8 wt. %, about 5.9 wt. %, about 6.0 wt. %, about 6.1 wt. %,about 6.2 wt. %, about 6.3 wt. %, about 6.4 wt. %, about 6.5 wt. %,about 6.6 wt. %, about 6.7 wt. %, about 6.8 wt. %, about 6.9 wt. %,about 7.0, or any ranges therebetween.

As used herein, a “borate ion containing/liberating compound, solution,or salt” refers to a compound, solution, or salt which contains orwhich, when mixed with a solvent, liberates or produces borate ions. Forexample, the borate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, orsalt may be boric acid, sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, disodiumtetraborate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, and/or any salts of alkalior alkaline each metals, such as calcium chloride and potassiumchloride. In some embodiments, the borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt is present in an amount of from about 0.005percent, by weight, to about 0.5 percent, by weight. For example, theborate ion-containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt may bepresent in an amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about0.1 percent, by weight. For example, the borate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt may be present in anamount of from about 0.0075 percent, by weight, to about 0.03 percent,by weight, or an amount of from about 0.9 percent, by weight, to about0.99 percent, by weight.

As used herein, a “phosphate ion containing/liberating compound,solution, or salt” refers to a compound, solution, or salt whichcontains or which, when mixed with a solvent, liberates or producesphosphate ions. For example, the phosphate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt may be phosphoric acid, monosodiumsodiumphosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, monosodiumdiphosphate, disodium diphosphate, trisodiumdiphosphate, tetrasodiumdiphosphate, and/or any salts of alkali or alkaline each metals, such ascalcium chloride and potassium chloride. In some embodiments, thephosphate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt ispresent in an amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about0.5 percent, by weight. For example, the phosphateion-containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt may be present inan amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 0.1 percent,by weight. For example, the phosphate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt may be present in an amount of from about0.0075 percent, by weight, to about 0.03 percent, by weight, or anamount of from about 0.9 percent, by weight, to about 0.99 percent, byweight.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator does not contain a boroncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt, or a phosphatecontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt, but rather containsglass beads. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it isbelieved that the glass beads effectively cross-link with a polyvinylacetate-based glue or a polyvinyl alcohol-based glue and thereby form aslime composition.

In some embodiments, the slime activator composition contains one ormore additives. For example, the slime activator compositions maycontain one or more additives to affect the texture, feel color, or lookof the slime activator composition and slime compositions madetherefrom.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition also contains athickener (i.e., a rheology modifier). For example, the thickener maycontain hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, xanthan gum,starch cellulose, alginate, egg yolk, agar, arrowroot, carageenan,collagen, gelatin, guar gum, and/or pectin. The thickener may also be asynthetic thickener, such as synthetic acrylic-based polymers (e.g.,alkali-swellable (or soluble) emulsions (ASE's) hydrophobically modifiedalkali-swellable emulsions (HASE's) and hydrophobically modified,methoxylated urethane resins (HEUR's)). For example, a suitablethickener may be present in the composition in an amount of about 0.1percent, by weight, to about 2 percent, by weight, such as from about0.5 percent, by weight, to about 1 percent, by weight.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator contains a polyol. Forexample, in some embodiments the slime activator contains glycerol,propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. Without intending to bebound by any particular theory, it is believed that glycerol functionsas a rheology modifier or plasticizer in slime compositions. It has beenobserved that slime compositions containing glycerol result in asmoother texture, which is silky or velvety. In some embodiments, theslime activator composition contains glycerol present in an amount offrom about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, for example about 1 wt. %, about1.5 wt. %, about 2.0 wt. %, about 2.5 wt. %, about 3.0 wt. %, about 3.5wt. %, about 4.0 wt. %, about 4.5 wt. %, about 5.0 wt. %, about 5.5 wt.%, about 6.0 wt. %, about 6.5 wt. %, about 7.0 wt. %, about 7.5 wt. %,about 8.0 wt. %, about 8.5 wt. %, about 9.0 wt. %, about 9.5 wt. %,about 10.0 wt. %, or any ranges therebetween.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition also contains abiocide or fungicide, such as Acticide B20. The biocide or fungicide maybe present in the slime activator composition in an amount of from about0.01 percent, by weight, to about 0.5 percent, by weight, for exampleabout 0.01 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. %, about 0.10 wt. %, about 0.15 wt. %,about 0.20 wt. %, about 0.25 wt. %, about 0.30 wt. %, about 0.35 wt. %,about 0.40 wt. %, about 0.45 wt. %, about 0.50 wt. %, or any rangestherebetween.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition further containsone or more agents to provide one or more tactile or aestheticproperties to the resultant slime material. For example, the agents(s)may be selected to provide a particular color, a color-changing quality,a textured, foamy or other tactile feel, a metallic finish, a particularsmell, and/or a glow-in-the-dark quality. Such agents may be provided inan amount suitable to provide the desired property, such as amounts offrom about 0.01 percent to about 25 percent, by weight of thecomposition, such as from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent, byweight of the composition, or from about 0.1 percent to about 2 percent,by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the slime activator composition contains one ormore colored pigments to provide a desired color to the resulting slime.Suitable pigments or colorants are known in the industry. For example,in some embodiments suitable pigments or colorants may include foodcoloring, chalk, paint, and the like.

For example, the composition may contain a thermochromic agentconfigured to change the color of the resulting slime material inresponse to a change in temperature. For example, the thermochromicagent may be a thermochromic pigment configure to change color based onthe temperature to which it is exposed. The thermochromic pigment may becold-activated or hot-activated. For example, cold-activatedthermochromic pigments may be activated at about 18 to about 22° C.,such that they change color once the material gets colder than theactivation temperature. For example, cold-activation may be acceleratedby a user by exposing the slime material to a cold material, such asice. For example, hot-activated thermochromic pigments may be activatedat about 31° C., such that they change color once the temperature getshotter. For example, hot activation may be accelerated by a user byfriction/heat from the hand or an external heat source.

Suitable thermochromic pigments may include those described in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/596,213, filed Dec. 8, 2017, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.For example, the thermochromic pigment (also referred to as a“colorant”) may include an encapsulated electron-donatingcolor-developing organic compound, an electron-accepting organiccompound, and a reaction medium. For example, in some embodiments thecomposition may include microcapsules having an acrylic shell and a coreof encapsulated leuco dye, a weak organic acid, and a solvent or wax. Insome embodiments, the thermochromic colorant is DW0602171, or DW0607171,both available from Encapsys, LLC, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, thermochromic colorants are those commercially availablefrom LCR Hallcrest in black, blue, magenta, green, orange, red, purple,brown, and turquoise, or any combinations thereof. For example, in someembodiments, the composition includes one or more commercially-availablecolorants from Encapsys, such as DW0925171, a blue thermochromiccolorant; DW0927171, a blue thermochromic colorant; DW09271712, a greenthermochromic colorant; DW0928171, a green thermochromic colorant;DW0928172, a yellow thermochromic colorant; DW0929171, a yellowthermochromic colorant; DW1002171, a black thermochromic colorant;DW1002172, a black thermochromic colorant; DW100417; a red thermochromiccolorant; DW1004172, a red thermochromic colorant; DW1005171, a bluethermochromic colorant; DW1005172, a blue thermochromic colorant;DW1009171, a red thermochromic colorant; DW1009172, a red thermochromiccolorant, or any combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition contains anagent configured to yield a textured, foamy or other tactile feel in theresultant slime composition. For example, a foaming agent may beincluded in the composition to provide the desired slime texture. Insome embodiments, the foaming agent is foam beads, such as expandedpolystyrene foam beads. In some embodiments, the slime activatorcomposition contains a clay, such as a soft polymer clay, to achieve asmooth textured slime. In some embodiments, the slime activatorcomposition contains glass beads, polymer beads, such as polypropylenebeads, or other suitable material beads, to provide a textured feel inthe resultant slime composition.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition containspearlescent pigments, to provide a metallic finish for the resultantslime. For example, the pearlescent pigments may contain micronizedtitanium dioxide, metal oxide coated mica, metal oxide coated alumina,metal oxide coated silica, basic lead carbonate, bismuth oxychloride,and/or natural fish silver. In certain embodiments, the slime activatorcomposition may contain glitter, glitter pigment, glitter crystals,confetti, plastic or metallic beads, or other suitable resins, orpolymers.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition contains sand,to provide a sandy look and feel for the resultant slime. In particular,larger particle size sand, such as sand having an average particle sizeof greater than about 250 microns, may be added to the slime activatorcomposition to increase the gritty feel of the resultant slime.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition containsmagnetic additives, to provide a magnetic quality for the resultantslime. For example, the magnetic additives may include iron filling,iron powder, or another magnetic powder, such as iron oxide orencapsulated iron oxide.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition contains photoluminescent, photochromic, fluorescent, or phosphorescent pigments ordyes that provide a glow-in-the-dark or light-driven color changequality to the resultant slime. Such pigments may be those known in theindustry for such purposes.

For example, the slime activator composition may contain a suitablephotochromic (or reverse photochromic) material, such as one or morematerials as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/565,853,filed Sep. 29, 2017. No. 62/565,810, filed Sep. 29, 2017. No.62/565,880, filed Sep. 29, 2017, and No. 62/596,211, filed Dec. 8, 2017,the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety. For example, the reverse photochromic colorants may include aphotochromic dye and an activator or bleaching agent which renders thedye colorless upon exposure to UV light. For example, reversephotochromic colorants manufactured by Spectra Group Ltd., including:CR234-BT2B, CR234-R33. CR234-R33x2, and CR234-V4, may be used as reversephotochromic colorants in embodiments of ink formulations of the presentdisclosure. The CR234-BT2B colorant is initially blue and, upon exposureto UV light, transitions from blue to clear. The CR234-R33 andCR234-R33x2 colorants are initially red and, upon exposure to UV light,transition from red to clear. The CR234-V4 colorant is initially violetand, upon exposure to UV light, transitions from violet to clear.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator composition containsfragrance-providing chemistry, such as a fragrance oil or other scentedmaterial. For example, the slime activator composition may contain oneor more essential oils.

It should be understood that while the additives/agents discussed hereinare primarily discussed as being contained in the slime activatorcomposition, many of these additives may similarly be contained in theglue formulation itself and provide a similar result in slimeformulation. Thus, this disclosure should be understood as encompassingactivator and glue formulations containing such additives, to the extentsuch additives do not negate any necessary properties of thecompositions.

In certain embodiments, the slime activator solution or composition isArt and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) certified as non-toxicfor use in a children's product.

In certain embodiments, a kit contains a slime activator solution orcomposition as described herein and a polyvinyl acetate-based glue, apolyvinyl alcohol-based glue, or another suitable polymericglue/adhesive (e.g., a white school glue, such as ELMER'S® brand SchoolGlue). In certain embodiments, a method of making a slime compositionincludes combining a slime activator solution or composition asdescribed herein with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue or a polyvinylalcohol-based glue. For example, the slime activatorsolution/composition and the polymeric based glue/adhesive may becombined in a weight ratio of from about 0.25 activator to 1.0 glue upto about 1.5 activator to 1.0 glue. For example, about 4 ounces ofElmer's® White School glue may be combined with about 1.9 ounces ofactivator solution, or about 5 ounces of Elmer's® Clear School Glue maybe combined with about 2.3 ounces of activator solution.

In certain embodiments, a method of making a slime activator solutionincludes combining a borate ion-containing compound in an amount of fromabout 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 5 percent, by weight, with abuffer in an amount effective to maintain a pH of the solution in arange of about 8 to about 9.5, to form a slime activator solutionconfigured to crosslink with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue or apolyvinyl alcohol-based glue and thereby form a slime composition. Othermethods may include any of the additional details provided above inregards to the slime activator solutions.

It has been discovered that the presently describedsolutions/compositions which contain borate ion-containing/liberatingcompositions minimize the amount of borate ions needed to effectivelycrosslink the polymer in the glue to form the slime, therefore keepingthe mixture to safe levels of borate so as not to trigger warnings andconcern and allow it to be sold as a children's product. Further, it hasbeen discovered that creating a high pH environment also tends to aidthe crosslinking reaction, requiring lower amounts of borate ion. Forexample, it was found that the pH environment of the solution isimportant in the efficacy of the solution, with a pH of about 7.5 toabout 9.5 working well. Additionally, it was found that inclusion of athickener, such as described above, resulted in a thickening of thesolution and this allowed the slime to be formed using a lower percentby weight of the borate ion-containing/liberating compound.

For example, a generalized reaction of a PVOH based glue/adhesive withborate ions is shown below.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood byreference to the following examples.

Example 1: Prophetic Examples of Slime Activator Compositions

Example component ranges for certain embodiments of slime activatorsolutions/compositions are given in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Example Slime Activator Formulations Raw Material CompositionRange (weight %) Deionized water 65-95 Boric Acid 0.005-5.0 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.)2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0  Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

Thus, the slime activator solutions/compositions described herein werediscovered to crosslink the PVAc and PVOH polymer systems inglue/adhesive to form a slime that meets expectations while limiting theamount of borate ions present in the solution.

Additional example components ranges for certain embodiments of slimeactivator solutions/compositions containing certain of the additivesdescribed herein are given in Tables 2-7 below.

TABLE 2 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing ThermochromicPigments Composition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionized water 65-95Boric Acid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 SodiumHydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0 Thermochromic pigments 0.01-25% Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

TABLE 3 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing Foam BeadsComposition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionized water 65-95 BoricAcid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 Sodium Hydroxide(2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0  Foam Beads0.01-25% Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

TABLE 4 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing PearlescentPigments Composition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionized water 65-95Boric Acid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 SodiumHydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0 Pearlescent Pigments 0.01-25% Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

TABLE 5 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing Glow-in-the-Dark Pigments Composition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionizedwater 65-95 Boric Acid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0 Glow in the dark/photochromic pigments 0.01-25% Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

TABLE 6 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing GlitterComposition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionized water 65-95 BoricAcid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 Sodium Hydroxide(2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0  Glitter 0.01-25%Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

TABLE 7 Example Slime Activator Formulations Containing PhotochromicPigments Composition Range Raw Material (weight %) Deionized water 65-95Boric Acid 0.005-5.0  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1-3.0 SodiumHydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 2.5-7.0 Sodium Bicarbonate 0.05-7.0 Photochromic Pigments 0.01-25% Acticide B20 0.05-0.25

Example 2: Slime Activator Compositions

A number of slime compositions were produced, as detailed in Tables 8-18below. Each of these compositions was produced by first adding deionizedwater to a clean, dry beaker, and beginning moderate agitation (at aspeed of 500 rpm) in a Pete Model BDC250 mixer, available from CaframoLab Solutions, to mix the contents of the beaker. Next, boric acid wasadded, and the mixing was continued. The mixing speed was then increasedto 900-1000 rpm, and a thickener (either hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseor xanthan gum) was added and allowed to mix until it was homogeneous.Next, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride were added and the mixingwas continued. Next, a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide (2.5% Aq.Solution) was added and the mixing was continued. Finally, Acticide B20was added and the resultant slime activator composition was mixed untilit was homogeneous, and samples were taken to evaluate physicalproperties such as pH and % solids of the slime activator compositions.

TABLE 8 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Waterconductivity < 10 μs/cm 92.7 Boric Acid 0.5 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 0.7 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 SodiumChloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 4.1 Acticide B20 0.1Total 100

TABLE 9 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 92.9 Boric Acid 0.3 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 0.7 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 SodiumChloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 4.1 Acticide B20 0.1Total 100

TABLE 10 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 92.5 Boric Acid 0.5 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 1 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 4 Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100

TABLE 11 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 90 Boric Acid 0.5 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 0.5 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 SodiumChloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 7 Acticide B20 0.1 Total100

TABLE 12 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 89.905 Boric Acid 0.095 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 1 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 7 Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

TABLE 13 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 90.405 Boric Acid 0.095 Xanthan Gum 0.5 SodiumBicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 7Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

TABLE 14 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 92.905 Boric Acid 0.095 Xanthan Gum 1 SodiumBicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 4Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

TABLE 15 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 93.405 Boric Acid 0.095 HydroxypropylMethylcellulose 0.5 (Methocel F4M) Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 SodiumChloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 4 Acticide B20 0.1 Total100.00

TABLE 16 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 89.495 Boric Acid 0.5 Xanthan Gum 1 SodiumBicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.) 7Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

TABLE 17 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 92.695 Boric Acid 0.5 Xanthan Gum 0.7 SodiumBicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.)4.1 Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

TABLE 18 Example Slime Activator Composition Ingredient Wt. % D.I. Water(conductivity < 10 μs/cm) 92.895 Boric Acid 0.3 Xanthan Gum 0.7 SodiumBicarbonate 1.4 Sodium Chloride 0.5 Sodium Hydroxide (2.5% Aq. Soln.)4.1 Acticide B20 0.1 Total 100.00

Example 3: Modified Slime Activator Compositions

Next, using the base formulation described in Table 17 of Example 2above, modified slime activator compositions were produced, as describedin Tables 19-21 below by adding additional additives at roomtemperature, and mixing together until these were homogeneous.

First, a slime activator composition with sand was prepared by addingsand to the base slime activators of Example 2 in the amounts describedin Table 19 below and mixing the sand with the slime activatorcomposition for 30 minutes to ensure homogeneity.

TABLE 19 Slime Activator Composition with Sand Ingredient Amount (grams)Slime Activator Composition of Example 2 70.0 g Sand 30.0 g

Next, a slime activator composition with glow in the dark pigments andglitter was prepared by first adding glow in the dark pigment,specifically a europium doped strontium aluminate and zinc sulfide, andthen adding the glitter, commercially available from MeadowbrooksInventions, to the base slime activators of Example 2 in the amountsdescribed in Table 20 below and mixing the glow in the dark pigment andglitter with the slime activator composition for 30 minutes to ensurehomogeneity.

TABLE 20 Slime Activator Composition with Glow in the Dark Pigments andGlitter Ingredient Amount (grams) Slime Activator Composition of Example2 90.0 g Glow in the Dark pigment  5.0 g Glitter  5.0 g

Next, a slime activator composition with pearlescent pigments wasprepared by adding commercially available pearlescent pigments to thebase slime activators of Example 2 in the amounts described in Table 21below and mixing the pearlescent pigment with the slime activatorcomposition for 30 minutes to ensure homogeneity.

TABLE 21 Slime Activator Composition with Pearlescent Pigment IngredientAmount (grams) Slime Activator Composition of Example 2 99.0 gPearlescent Pigment  1.0 g

Example 4: Comparative Testing of Commercially Available Slime ActivatorCompositions

Chemical analysis was performed on a variety of commercially-availableslime activator compositions, as shown in Table 22 below. The slimeactivator compositions tested included seven different commerciallyavailable slime activator compositions. Notably, several of the slimeactivator compositions tested did not rely on boron containing orliberating compositions. For example, commercially-available slimeactivator composition no. 3 was found to be a sodium alginate solution,which did not contain Boron. Similarly, commercially-available slimeactivator composition no. 3 is believed not to rely on boron as itsactive ingredient. Similarly, commercially-available slime activatorcomposition no. 6 was found to be a saline solution, which did notcontain Boron.

TABLE 22 Commercially-Available Slime Activator Compositions pH of SlimeBoron Slime Activator Activator Wt. % content WL % CompositionComposition Solids (ppm, SGS) Boron Disclosed in 8.9-9.3 2.0-2.5 81.300.095 Example 2 above Commercial 9.27 1.89 1340.00 1.565806 Activatorno. 1 Commercial 9.34 2.3 638.00 0.74551 Activator no. 2 Commercial 7.441.84 0 0 Activator no. 3 Commercial 9.21 22.16 0 0 Activator no. 4Commercial 8.74 1.32 289.00 0.3377 Activator no. 5 Commercial 7.34 2.160 0 Activator no. 6 Commercial — — 1670.00 1.951415 Activator no. 7

Thus, the slime activator compositions of Example 2 surprisingly havesubstantially higher pHs and/or contain substantially less Boron thancommercially-available boron-containing slime activator compositions.

Example 5: Slime Compositions

Next, slime compositions were made using silicon glass beads, by mixingwith Elmer's® brand school glue, the slime activator composition ofTable 17 of Example 2 above, and deionized water.

TABLE 23 Slime Compositions with Silicon Glass Beads Parts Elmer's ®Parts Slime Brand Silicon Parts Slime Parts Formulation School GlassActivator Deionized No. Glue Beads Composition Water 1 17.4 1 5.6 0 2 101 2.27 0 3 5.95 1 0.79 0 4 6.17 1 0.89 2 5 8.93 1 1 1.3 6 9.2 1 0 2.3

Surprisingly, even when the silicon glass beads were mixed only withElmer's® brand school glue and deionized water, without any slimeactivator composition, the mixture was effective at producing a slimecomposition. Without intending to be bound by any particular theory, itis believed that the silicon glass beads are effectively able tocross-link the adhesive composition in the Elmer's® brand school glue toproduce a slime composition.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the present disclosurewithout departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of thedisclosure. Thus, it is intended that the described embodiments coverthe modifications and variations of the disclosure provided they comewithin the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slime activator composition, comprising: aborate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt present inan amount of from about 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 0.25 percent,by weight; and a buffer present in an amount effective to maintain a pHof the composition in a range of from about 8.9 to about 9.3, whereinthe slime activator is configured to crosslink with a polyvinylacetate-based glue or a polyvinyl alcohol-based glue and thereby form aslime composition.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition comprises a borate ion containing/liberating compound,solution, or salt and the borate ion containing/liberating compound,solution, or salt is boric acid, sodium borate, sodium tetraborate,disodium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, or anycombinations thereof.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the buffercomprises sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen phosphate.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a thickener selected fromhydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, and xanthan gum.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt is present in an amount of from about 0.005percent, by weight, to about 0.1 percent, by weight.
 6. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the composition contains from about 2.0% solids, byweight, to about 2.5% solids, by weight.
 7. The composition of claim 1,wherein the composition meets the Art and Creative Materials Institute,Inc. (ACMI) certification standards as non-toxic for use in a children'sproduct.
 8. A kit, comprising: the slime activator composition of claim1; and a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive or a polyvinylalcohol-based glue/adhesive of appropriate functionality forcrosslinking.
 9. A method of making a slime composition, comprising:combining the slime activator composition of claim 1 with a polyvinylacetate-based glue/adhesive or a polyvinyl alcohol-based glue/adhesiveof appropriate functionality for crosslinking.
 10. A method of making aslime activator composition, comprising: combining a borate ioncontaining/liberating compound, solution, or salt in an amount of fromabout 0.005 percent, by weight, to about 0.25 percent, by weight, with abuffer in an amount effective to maintain a pH of the composition in arange of about 8.9 to about 9.3, to form a slime activator compositionconfigured to crosslink with a polyvinyl acetate-based glue/adhesive ora polyvinyl alcohol-based glue/adhesive and thereby form a slimecomposition.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprisescombining the borate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, orsalt with a buffer, and wherein the borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt is boric acid, sodium borate, sodiumtetraborate, disodium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, orany combinations thereof.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the buffercomprises sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen phosphate.
 13. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising combining a thickener with theborate ion containing/liberating compound, solution, or salt and thebuffer.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the thickener compriseshydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, or xanthan gum.
 15. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt is combined in an amount of from about 0.005percent, by weight, to about 0.1 percent, by weight.
 16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the slime activator composition contains from about2.0% solids, by weight, to about 2.5% solids, by weight.
 17. The methodof claim 10, wherein the slime activator composition is configured to becombined with the glue/adhesive in a weight ratio of the slime activatorcomposition to the glue/adhesive of from about 0.25:1 to about 1.5:1 toproduce a slime composition.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein thecomposition is Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI)certified as non-toxic for use in a children's product.
 19. The slimeactivator composition of claim 1, wherein the slime activatorcomposition comprises boric acid present in an amount of from about0.095 percent, by weight, to about 0.25 percent, by weight.
 20. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the borate ion containing/liberatingcompound, solution, or salt is boric acid in an amount of from about0.095 percent, by weight, to about 0.25 percent, by weight.